Equipment


2.3 Inflatables, Use & Care


Inflatables

It is now legal to have inflatable PFDs on board. In order for them to meet the lifejacket requirement, they must be worn if you are in an open boat.

On other boats, they must be worn while on deck or in the cockpit and they must be readily available for anyone down below.

Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use by people less than 16 years of age or people weighing less than 36.3 kg.

They are not approved for use on PWCs and those with an automatic inflator that works as soon as the operator is in the water, can not be used on sailboards.

Use & Care

Here are some other tips on lifejacket and PFD use and care:

  • Must not be used as cushions or fenders
  • Must be tested occasionally
  • No longer certified if repaired or altered
  • Must be stored so that they are not crushed
  • Must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated, easily accessible place
  • Clean with mild soap and water only; do not dry clean and do not clean with chemicals
  • Do not dry in the sun or expose to heat
  • Dry in the open air

Personal Flotation Devices

Available as keyhole jackets, vests, coats & cover-alls in many approved colours, they are non-reversible. PFD's are good for general boating and constant wear. They will not turn you face up. Easy to put on, they provide flotation only, with no turning ability.

Mandatory Equipment

Canoes, Kayaks, Rowboats & Rowing Shells - Not over 6M in length

Equipment Canoes
  1. One Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board
  2. One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15m in length
  3. One manual propelling device or, an anchor with not less than 15m of cable, rope or chain in any combination
  4. One bailer or manual water pump fitted with, or accompanied by, sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel
  5. A sound signalling device or a sound signalling appliance
  6. Navigation lights that meet applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility

Unpowered Pleasure Craft - Not over 6M in length

Equipment Unpowered Pleasure Craft
  1. One Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board
  2. One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15m in length
  3. One manual propelling device or, an anchor with not less than 15m of cable, rope or chain in any combination
  4. One Class 5BC fire extinguisher, if the pleasure craft is equipped with a fuel burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance
  5. A sound signalling device or a sound signalling appliance
  6. One bailer or manual pump fitted with, or accompanied by, sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump, to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel
  7. Navigation lights that meet applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility

Next Page: 2.4 Testing your Equipment